Kathak Maestro Brij Maharaj passed away at the age of 83 this morning (January 17th) in New Delhi. The Padma Vibhushan awardee reportedly suffered a heart attack.

The Indian President Ram Nath Govind paid tribute on social media writing "The demise of legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj marks the end of an era. It leaves a deep void in the Indian music and cultural space. He became an icon, making unparalleled contribution to popularise Kathak globally. Condolences to his family and admirers."

Kamal Haasan who trained under Brij Maharaj for the song "Unnai Kaanaadhu" in 'Vishwaroopam' tootk to twitter and wrote in Tamil "The unparalleled dance exponent Birju Maharaj has passed away. I learnt a lot observing him from a distance and later working with him in Vishwaroopam. He dedicated his life to music and dance and without seeing you I am not who I am (Unnai Kaadaadhu song quote).

ஈடு இணையற்ற நடனக் கலைஞரான பண்டிட் பிர்ஜூ மகராஜ் மறைந்தார்.ஓர் ஏகலைவனைப் போல பல்லாண்டுகள் தொலைவிலிருந்து அவதானித்தும்,விஸ்வரூபம் படத்திற்காக அருகிருந்தும் நான் கற்றுக்கொண்டவை ஏராளம்.இசைக்கும் நாட்டியத்திற்கும் தன் ஆயுளை அர்ப்பணித்துக்கொண்டவரே, ‘உன்னை காணாது நான் இன்று நானில்லையே’ pic.twitter.com/WC9bTUkjE2

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) January 17, 2022

The demise of legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj marks the end of an era. It leaves a deep void in the Indian music and cultural space. He became an icon, making unparalleled contribution to popularise Kathak globally. Condolences to his family and admirers.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 17, 2022